Installing aluminum siding on the exterior of the home can help to refresh its appearance, and will also reduce the amount of maintenance that needs to be performed on the outside of the house (although sadly maintaining the the inside will not be similarly decreased). Installing aluminum panels is not a very difficult job, although it can take a great deal of time and effort. If you are planning to install some aluminum siding on your house, here are a few simple tips that can help you to get the job done efficiently.

Step 1 - Beginning

Before beginning, you should put on safety glasses and gloves. The first step is to mount all of the siding pieces which will run along the top and sides of any doors and window covers. You should add a layer of protective foam around the sides of your windows and doors, and then lay the aluminum on top. Cut the aluminium to fit the openings with your saw, preferably circular or with a radial arm cutting blade. You can also hang the siding using nails which press into the concrete, or can be hammered in, rather than using screws. Add screws in a straight line, making sure to cover all of the siding. You should then mount the larger panels along the sides of the door and window covers, or any openings, on that floor of the house.

Step 2 - Adding the Balance

Hang the rest of the panels with the screws on the rest of the house. The aluminum panels can also be given protected ends by adding a metal strip around the sides. Use weatherproof or rustproof metal nails or screws to fasten the metals together. The bottom of the aluminum panel should hook under the bottom of the building, using nails to keep it in place. If your house doesn't have a lower lip, then nail the lower panel into place using another metal strip and a nail gun.

Repeat the process until all of the house is covered with aluminum siding. Cut the aluminum to fit around any mouldings or impressions on the house. You should place a nail or screw in the middle of each slot, and be careful not to drive the nails in completely, as this can scratch or dent the metal. The aluminum panels should ideally overlap with each other, to present a smooth surface to the eye. This smooth surface will prevent water from running between the panels.

Step 3 - Add the Trimming

After you have installed the aluminum panels, it is a good idea to add a layer of aluminum trimming to the edges of your panels. This can be done by having a friend hold the panel while you add the trim during installation, or done afterward by trailing the trim around the edges of the house, and the tops and bottoms of the panels. Nail the trimming in place every inch or so, moving along the panel as you do so.